Bunker Alert: Low Flashpoint Fuels, Singapore

Over the last ten days, Intertek Lintec has tested a number of VLSFO bunker samples from vessels that have taken fuel in SINGAPORE that have shown flash points below the ISO 8217 minimum requirement of 60°C. The samples in question were found to have a flash point between 51 and 57°C.

The flash point of a fuel is the temperature at which flammable vapours ignite when an external flame is applied. The minimum flash point for fuel in the machinery space of a merchant ship is governed by international legislation and the value is 60°C.

SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations comment that fuel with a flash point below 60°C will render the vessel un-seaworthy (Regulation 15), and in most cases jeopardize the vessels classification and insurance.

Vessels affected with low flash point bunkers will need to store the fuel with extreme caution as follows:

a) The ambient temperatures of the space in which the fuel is stored should not be allowed to rise within 10°C of observed flash point.

b) Avoid hot working or any other heat source in the immediate area of the fuel oil storage tanks and vents.

If your vessel recently bunkered in the Singapore region, we would strongly recommend that you have knowledge of the quality of the fuel prior to its use.

Ensure that the samples are taken correctly together with the supplier at the custody transfer point (Barge Manifold / Receiving Vessel Manifold) and witnessed by the ship’s crew. The seal numbers of the samples drawn on the basis of the contract of supply must be recorded on the Bunker Delivery Note (BDN).

If you wish to discuss any of the points highlighted in this bunker alert, please feel free to contact our technical team.

T: +44 (0)1325 390183
E: lintec.results@intertek.com
W: intertek.com/lintec

ABOUT INTERTEK LINTEC
Intertek Lintec is the shipping community's gateway to Intertek's global network of state- of-the- art laboratory facilities and industry- leading technical Total Quality Assurance expertise.

ABOUT INTERTEK
TOTAL QUALITY. ASSURED.
Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide. Our network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices in more than 100 countries, delivers innovative and bespoke Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification solutions for our customers' operations and supply chains. Intertek Total Quality Assurance expertise, delivered consistently with precision, pace and passion, enabling our customers to power ahead safely.